How To Cut Down Trees

Army style

Hey, where you been?

Jeez, it's been a while. Nothing has really changed much so there hasn't been anything to write about.

Once again I am kid free for the summer (go ahead, get your jealous on). The boys are spending the summer with their grandparents in Sag Harbor on Long Island. Scott is trying to get a job as a caddie at one of the clubs out there. But Sean, recently graduated from high school, is in full on lazy mode. I think his grandfather will have other plans for that, putting him to work around the house. He is a tough one to get motivated.

I finally heard from Chris after about a month of no contact. The last I had heard was that they were moving to another base and that they would be very busy so he would have limited chances to talk. Sadly two men from his battalion lost their lives about 2 weeks ago. It took some time for the Army to release their names, so after finally hearing from him last night was the first good night of sleep I've had in a while. One more year to go of this.

News from the Front

I received a surprise phone call from Chris yesterday. It's not easy to speak to him directly but we have sent some emails back and forth. Still it's nice to hear his voice. He said it's been quiet where he is (a good thing we both agreed on) and that mostly he has been doing building up of the area. He told me he is in Salman Pak, a little south of Bagdhad. From articles I have read it seems that the units there have been in reconstruction of the area with not much fighting going on.

In his free time he has found something to occupy himself - weight lifting. He said they don't give them enough to eat to make any gains (it's funny to hear this from him) I'm sending him some protein to supplement between meals. Also lifting gloves. I'll probably throw a book in with that (I'm thinking Cressey's new one) so he can learn to do it right.

One and a half months down, 13 and a half to go.

Sports Update

High school golf season is over. The Aviation team ended up with a 7-5 record. They earned a trip to the playoffs, although they lost in the first round. Sean was 12-0 during the regular season but suffered his only loss in the playoffs, losing on the final hole. He made a few bad decisions coming down the stretch which cost him the match.

Scott ended the regular season 11-0 with one match played to a draw. He won his payoff match, making a six foot putt for par to win on the final hole. A lot of the opposing coaches gave me compliments on both boys as players but were very impressed with Scott's short game and putting abilities. He put away a lot of his opponents with his play around and on the greens.

My nephew Joe finished his baseball season at Lynchburg College with a record of 9-0, 3 saves and a 1.04 ERA. His season earned him the Male Student Athlete of the year award and second team All-American honors. Needless to say we are all very proud of him.

Addendum: I was informed after posting that Sean will be the recipient of the PSAL Wingate Award, which goes to the top senior athlete in NYC in their respective sport.

Wake Up Call

Around 8 am this morning I'm sitting, sipping on some coffee (yes, it has me back in it's clutches) when I hear a very large and loud "CRACK".



This tree was about 80 years old a stood well over probably 60 feet tall. Fortunately no one was out on the street at that time and there were no injuries. The people who own this truck are usually just getting their kids off to school at around 8. Another few minutes and it would have been a different story.



It took out a really nice BMW too. My neighbor put a lot of time working on it and restoring it. I don't know what his plans are for it now.

Summertime (It's Almost Here)

Yup, that's some porterhouses grilling up nicely tonight. That's good eating. It's been beautiful here in NYC the last few days so it was time to bust out the grill. Once the weather gets nice I grill most nights. And always charcoal. To me cooking on the gas grills is like cooking on the stove. It's just not for me.

The boys enjoyed the steaks tonight, although combining steak, beans and an all male household - well it doesn't take long.



I'm luck I'm single or I'd be sleeping in the yard tonight.

Update again

Spoke to Chris again today. He's not moving into Iraq just yet but he wasn't allowed to talk about what's going on. He sounded good but said I probably won't hear from him for a few weeks now. Again "Don't worry". The kid knows me too well.

On another note my nephew, Joe Devlin, currently goes to Lynchburg College in Virginia, where he is a pitcher on their baseball team. He won his 8th game last night (8-0)and is currently 3rd in ERA in the country among Division III pitchers. His dad is real proud of him, as we all are.

Had an interview today which I thought went real well. Hopefully I make it to the next round.